Podcasts about Margaritaville

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2026 57:47

A review of Carnival Luminosa. Terrell reviews a 10-night Carnival Luminosa cruise from San Francisco to Alaska. We cover his Cloud 9 Spa stateroom, dining, entertainment, sea days, and what it's like sailing Carnival Luminosa to Alaska. Terrell also shares his experiences in Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm, and Ketchikan, including whale watching, getting close to the glacier, and a Deadliest Catch excursion. Plus, cruise news on a bomb threat investigation, a cruise booking dispute that went viral, a power outage aboard Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Hero of the Seas, Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber heading to Galveston, and a correction on Carnival's new loyalty program. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

Is Texas City the New Margaritaville - WED - 7.1

Ken Webster Jr

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2026 19:32 Transcription Available

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-walton-johnson-show--4523012/support.

215 – TMG Hospitality Trailblazers: Charles Oswald

Suite Spot: A Hotel Marketing Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2026 37:27

Special guest and familiar face, Charles Oswald joins the Suite Spot in his return to the TMG Hospitality Trailblazers series. As CEO & President of Aperture Hotels, Charles shares his insights on AI & technology in hospitality, capital investment challenges, and his vision for the Aperture Hotels brand. Tune in now to the full conversation. Ryan Embree: Welcome to Suite Spot, where hoteliers check in and we check out what’s trending in hotel marketing. I’m your host, Ryan Embree. Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Suite Spot. This is your host, Ryan Embree, here for another edition of our TMG Hospitality Trailblazers. Technically, a look back on a few years back when we visited with this particular individual and company trailblazing and paving the way forward in hospitality. That is Charles Oswald, president and CEO of Aperture Hotels. Charles, thank you so much for being back here on The Suite Spot. Charles Oswald: Oh, it’s good to be back. Thank you. Ryan Embree: Yeah. You’ve been busy. It’s been a long time. I had to look back and see the last time we visited here on The Suite Spot. We did our original hospitality trailblazers, really in the infancy of Aperture Hotels back in December 2023. A lot’s changed on that since then, right? So catch us up a little bit. What have you been working on? There’s been some incredible growth that we’ve seen with your company. Congratulations on that. But catch us up since we last visited. Charles Oswald: First off, so at that time when we had launched Aperture Hotels, we were coming out in the, in the wake of the pandemic. So if you kind of think back where we were three and four years ago versus today, there were a lot of properties that had gone through this economic shock, and there were owners who were reeling from that experience, especially those that had corporate business travel hotels as opposed to those leisure destinations that benefited from the pandemic. And so during that time, Aperture actually went on and took on almost 30 different properties that we added to the portfolio, that were, driven by those owners who needed a new management company to come and take a look at their, their with fresh eyes and take a look at their top line strategies, their expense controls. And so we had a lot of properties, and they were 100% of those properties were not through acquisitions, but were actually just performance turnaround assignments where they were switching management companies, to somebody to take a fresh look. So, with all that said, we found ourselves, walking into properties that were on, like, the sixth or seventh year of a five-year hold strategy for private equity firms or high net worth individuals and so on. And that quickly turned into turnarounds, which the story from us lately has actually been sales, a lot of sales, 20 plus sales over the course of this last year. And so today, as we stand here, I’m actually more rebuilding the pipeline with a mix of more management change assignments, plus a few pipeline of new developments. And those new developments are mostly, like, 100 or 300 room soft brand properties across the country. So yeah a lot’s changed for sure. Really rapid growth, really rapid sales, and now more sort of measured one at a time growth. Ryan Embree: Yeah, and I wanna talk about that, because I’ve had the privilege to talk to some management company owners and leaders, and they’ve kind of echoed that same sentiment of not just growth, but strategic growth. And that seems to be where you are right now, too. So when you kind of take a look at. I know you mentioned that particular segment, but when you take a look at the hospitality landscape right now, what makes the right strategic partner for Aperture Hotels right now as you kind of enter this cycle where you’re trying to build back up a little bit? Charles Oswald: You’re right. The right partner, it’s about fit. And when you look at the experience of our leadership team, we’re really engineered towards compact, full service hotels, lifestyle, premium select service brands. They can be brand or independent. We’d like to partner with owners that have some portfolio stable scalability. Preferably they own by that, I mean, they own more than one hotel, and there might be more than one opportunity there. You know, we wanna work with those owners that know what they’re doing, right? They’ve got some, some governance, sophistication, some decision speed. Hopefully, they’ve not just made bad investments when they’re turning over these properties, but really, they’re looking for some performance turnaround in a good investment. And preferably those are longer term holds. As you can tell, we did a lot of hard work for some turnarounds and watched them sell. And they sold largely to owners who had their own management. So that’s tricky for us, right? That leads us looking for more opportunities. So in terms of us in aperture and how we see ourselves in competitive points of difference is we’ve got a group that has hundreds of hotels of experiments. Myself, I’ve managed about 300 hotels now over the years, and they’ve ranged from little 60-room properties up to a thousand plus room convention hotels and resorts. And so what we bring is, we’ve got big experience in our leadership team, but we’re in a small package, right? A boutique-sized company that can give more corporate support to property ratio. And we’re very data-driven in how we use our decision-making tools to uncover those hidden business opportunities and the potential to drive market share and outperform GOP. Big experience, I’d say that corporate support, the data-driven decision-making process and tools, I think is really what sets us aside. And by the way, I’ll just mention that our average RGI that we’ve achieved in the first 18 months when you put us in place after another management company, the average RGI growth or repar index gains is actually just over 10%. So we’ve had, like, incredible turnarounds at the top line, which leads them to great bottom line improvements as well. Ryan Embree: Which makes it so much more impressive, too, with the climate right now. And these events that we go to would talk about operating and margins right now, and trying to be just efficient as possible, because costs are, are rising right now. It is certainly difficult to navigate, and I’m sure that experience that you’ve had has certainly lended itself to some great stories that you can then share to help grow that portfolio. And the other part of the experience that you were talking about is you have the data and the insights. And one of the places you find that data and insights is obviously hospitality events that are going on. I’ve had the pleasure of running into you at quite a number of these. If I’m not running into you, Charles, I’m seeing you up on stage conducting interviews or, or sharing some of your takeaways on LinkedIn after the event. You got a busy second half of the year. I wanna talk about these events, though, and how you kind of leverage them, right? So, why do you think these events, especially now, are so important? And then, how do you measure success of an event once it’s completed, whether that be a lodging conference, an investment conference, or whether it be, just an educational data event? Charles Oswald: Look, that’s a really good question. When you consider the time, travel budget, and the opportunity costs on an executive’s busy calendar to get out to these conferences and spend three, four days between the travel and the time out there, we’ve gotta be, we’ve gotta be very intentional, right, about how we approach it. So, I see value in going to these conferences because of deal sourcing and the relationship capital that we pick up. Also, I think there’s that market intelligence and the pricing signals that we get from those from this conference. There’s the access to capital markets. That was particularly important for me here recently as I was looking to as I’m in the process of acquiring a property right now in Phoenix, and when we needed to raise LP capital and we had those relationships these are people, again, we met at conferences. I think talent reputation, right, it’s important to get out there and continue to manage that. So those, those are a number of the reasons why we wanna get out to these conferences and why we think they’re important. But the measure of success, you’re right, for a data-driven guy, I wish I could put a specific number to it. Like, here’s the ROI from each of these conferences. It’s really difficult to. It’s really difficult to do, but I can tell you that, I do look back and, and aggregate those. I look at the management contracts we picked up, and I think of, “Okay, well, where did I meet these folks? And so what’s the average return?” And I can put a number to that. And I would tell you that in terms of the immediate return, what I’m looking for is if I can have three to five specific follow-up conversations, a result of that conference, then the trip was worth the cost. Ryan Embree: That’s great advice for young hospitality professionals out there. I mean, we have a great industry, and one of the coolest parts of it is you get to rub shoulders sometimes with those executives. So even those younger hospitality professionals that might be tuning in here, it’s a great piece of advice to when you can, obviously, try to get that exposure of networking and get out there because hospitality is certainly a big world, but it’s also a very small world, and you run into a lot of the same people. And again, this, just like you said, Charles, a lot of the stories, success stories, whether it be business relationships, some of those transactions could stem from sitting next to somebody at breakfast – Absolutely. On day two of a conference. Love to hear that advice, love to hear that those stay beneficial, because we love those. We’re hospitality people, right? We’re in that industry. Now, another thing you become kinda famous for your takeaways articles on LinkedIn. My advice would be to encourage anyone, definitely give Charles if you’re not already a follow, because you have some great insights and takeaways from some of the events that he goes to. So I’m gonna kind of put you on the spot here. If you had to do a takeaways article for the first half of 2026, maybe give us a couple points, and then if you could, maybe share some predictions. We’re hospitality people. We love to kind of predict, try to predict the future a little bit, so. Charles Oswald: Yeah. Well, maybe, maybe the biggest takeaway from the first half is that we’re not great in hospitality about predicting future. Ryan Embree: That’s a good one. Charles Oswald: So, as we rolled into 2026, there were a lot of folks that were saying it was gonna be, like, Groundhog Day, that we’re looking at flat, very modest, RevPar growth and expenses that, outpace, the top line. And I think what nobody saw coming was US demand growth in the first half of the year. Now part of this, I will tell you, if we look back in some panels, a year ago, I called part of this, which is I asked why is no one talking about the impact of the $30 billion increase in tax refunds that we’ll see, plus the real wage growth that’s happening, and what impact that could have on our industry? And, and a lot of people kind of poo-pooed and they said, “Well, you know, we don’t really know that the tax refunds are gonna be there. We don’t really know how those are gonna hit.” Okay. But we do. There was some, some mirroring it kinda like during the pandemic when you put money in people’s pockets, there were a lot of people that just went out and spent it. And so I did, I think that had a real impact on the, on the first half of the year. And then the other part that none of us saw coming, and I didn’t, was certainly there’d be a war in Iran and how the general global conflict can would affect the outbound travel case for the American traveler. So, that outbound travel, international outbound decelerated, right, while domestic leisure demand, stayed strong. So, that helped prop up the first half of the year. So there are some trends from the first half that I think will carry out to the second half. So for not getting in looking forward, I’d say that second half of the year, there’ll be more bifurcation. You know, we’re gonna see a continuing challenge to new supply growth, and we’re gonna continue to see labor costs rising, but at a bit of a decelerating rate. So if I were to expand a little bit on that, on the bifurcation, we’ve heard a lot of talk about the K-shaped economy. And really in that bifurcation, there’s some people talking about this hollowing in the middle class, and, and, and I think that’s actually very, very misrepresented. What’s actually happened is we’ve seen a growth generational wealth, over the course of the last 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years. And this is a long-term macro trend, okay? The fact is that there are fewer poor today, about a third less than there were, you know, 40, 50 years ago. There are few, fewer lower middle class, and no longer is the core middle class the largest classification of income in America. But according to the BLS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is actually now the upper middle class is the largest class, right? So people are moving up on this continuum, and they’re more wealthy. So when you start thinking about that, what does that affect on our industry? That’s why we’re seeing this interest in, towards experiential travel, towards the soft brands, towards luxury, and why upper upscale and luxury tiers have been outperforming. So I think we’ll continue to see that as we go through the end of the year. And the other story I think we’ll continue to see is that new supply, right? Man, the plan, I mean, there’s, like, you know, 10% supply growth planned. But what actually happens, is just a, you know, a fraction of a percent. And so, in there, the challenge, you know, debt isn’t the problem anymore. It’s more about equity and construction cost relative to the commercial real estate valuations,in interest rate market environment that we’re in today. Ryan Embree: Yeah, so you have a little bit tampered demand, or tampered, building construction because of those construction costs. And do not underestimate, again, the willingness and ability for people and wanting to travel and have experiences. I still think they even the younger generation, they’re getting some more money in their pockets, and the first thing that they’re wanting to do is plan a nice trip, right, before they go out and, and buy those expensive things that, which was, was typically would happen. Charles Oswald: Yeah, and I wanna just comment one thing though is we’ve talked a lot about economic resilience, and that resiliency definitely exists in the US, and it’s more resilient than a lot of folks probably though it was when you look back in time. However, some of that does seem to be breaking here, right? You know, you are seeing rise of credit card debt. You are seeing some increases in folks, particularly at the mid-scale and, and, and lower income classes defaulting on car payments and things like that. And so if you start to make a decision about, you know, do I travel or do I pay my, my car, that is going to affect the industry, you know, as we go forward. And, and that’s gonna play a little bit in that bifurcation that we were talking about. Those who are on the upper end have watched unreal growth for the last few years in their stock market portfolios. You know, they, they feel a little bit more free and, and open travel. Ryan Embree: Yeah, it’s interesting. You’re right. You know, we always talk about still prioritizing travel, but travel over things. But when tho- those things become, like you said, payments or car payments, then all of a sudden the priorities start to shift a little bit. So it’d be interesting to see how that continues in the second half of this year. Now, another topic we that you’re gonna hear at every single hospitality show, it’s a bingo card, is AI and technology. And you, and you actually speak a lot. I’ve seen you on panels speak a lot to it in, in your interviews. Where do you think the hospitality industry, which we’ve said typically is one to slowly adopt technology? Where do you think we are in this cycle of AI adoption? And then maybe you could zoom in a little bit into your organization and, and where you’ve prioritized that, or maybe stayed away from it. Charles Oswald: Maybe we kind of break that down into sounds like three or four areas, right? I think, yeah, it’s what’s the biggest impact today? What’s kinda happening now? And maybe where’s it going? Sure. And, uh, and how do we play into that as a management company, right? Yeah. So I guess there’s four ways. In terms of the biggest impact today, it’s for sure it’s been, it, it, it’s been in distribution, right? Uh, GEO and AEO are the new SEO. And so, um, uh, maybe what’s accelerated hospitality is entrance into AI because the customer was using it to search for hospitality, and then all of a sudden we woke up and said what – Ryan Embree: Great point. Charles Oswald: It’s not just about keywords, but how, how do we become the answer to the question they’re asking? And so that’s, uh, that’s certainly the biggest impact today is on the distribution side. I think what’s happening in progress, we’re starting to see more in the areas of revenue optimization and design, right? Like on, you know, when it comes to new hotel renovations and they and developments. And then the future, where’s it going? I think we’re gonna see AI more in our, more closely integrated into our business analytics, like and that’s gonna extend into labor scheduling and productivity. I think we’ll see it help us in energy management and procurement. Things like F&B menu engineering both from the creative standpoint and kinda marrying that with the math, right? Like, what the cost of plate is and what the customer’s actually buying. And and that’s really important. IAnd by the way, that’s a weak spot, I think in the industry. There are an awful lot of management companies that are not very good on food and beverage side. So at Aperture, what are we doing? First off, I would say we lean really heavily on our tech partners to adapt, adopt AI for their analytics or reporting insights. And today insights has become the real opportunity, right? I mean, if you ask your BI system, you know, it’s one thing for them to be able to pull a report or show you some side-by-side comparisons, but the insights, like, why is this happening? You know, you can tell me, me what my flow-through is, it’s great, but, like, what should it be if we had run according to all the budget metrics that, like, that we put out there? They’re, they’re weak on that side, at least to date. So I think that’s gonna be the next step is that is conveying those analytics and reports to insights. And so, we’re keenly working with technology solutions that they can implement in those ways, and digital marketing efforts that help us improve the distribution that we were talking about earlier, GEO and AEO. And from a practical day-to-day standpoint, you know, we’ve incorporated, cloud enterprise solutions in our daily work and our applications, like, you know, Excel and SharePoint, et cetera, like a lot of other companies have. But we got plenty of room, plenty of runway there when it comes to AI. Ryan Embree: Absolutely. Yeah, 100%. So, uh, every day, yeah. every hour, it feels like sometimes with these announcements. Um, but yeah, you, you mentioned something really, really fascinating at the top of that, the answer of, you know, I think the adoption cycle sometimes with technology and hospitality has been slow because we’ve tried to, sometime, “Hey, download our app,” right? We’re, we’re trying to get the customer to move with the technology that we want them to move into, and the ecosystem that, that, “Hey, you know, do this.” And now, what’s happening is we’re seeing the consumer move into these LLMs and, and AI search, and now hospitality’s kind of been like, “We have to catch up because this is where our customer is,” right? So maybe that does cause a little bit of, uh, acceleration. So, because that is the biggest thing that we’ve been hearing as well, is just AI visibility. There is just this, this fear of a couple years ago, it was the fear of doing anything and being like, “I’m not doing anything with AI and technology. Now it’s like, now I have. My biggest fear is keeping me up, is I’m not being found on AI, uh, search engines and LLMs.” Charles Oswald: Yeah, let me tell you, like, just a great example, I was traveling not long ago, to Chicago, and I had a trip to Nashville, and I was just curious. I just, I went to Google – Yeah. And said, “Hey, what are the, what’s the best hotel in Chicago?” And it gave me a list of sponsored results. So it was like, I don’t know, half a dozen or so hotels there. And it gave me a list of, like, you know, here’s what says, and there’s like 20 properties there, and there is, AAA and Forbes, and there was the map and so all this stuff, and I’m like, “Wow, there, there’s, like, you know, 60 best hotels in Chicago.” And so then I moved over, just out of curiosity, I asked, uh, Claude, “What’s the best hotel in Chicago?” Gave me one answer, named one hotel, this is the best. And it gave me a little honorable mention list of three properties underneath it. I thought, oh, my gosh. And then I did the same thing with Nashville. I get one answer – Yeah. And it’s honorable mentions. And it really started making me think, oh my gosh, like, like, if, if only one hotel is gonna come up with that, how do I make that money? And, uh, and who is this, who is this, um, generative AI trusting? And so, so, so we began to dive really deeply in that conversation about, like, when, where are these trusted resort returns coming from, and how do we influence that, right? How do we make sure we appear there? Ryan Embree: 100%. Yeah, that’s the, the next race right now is to try to figure that out. And that’s difficult. Charles Oswald: Kind of back up and just elaborate, just one more comment – Yeah. Is just that, that, like, in Google, I mean, it’s, sure, it’s trusted. I don’t think anybody says that you don’t, you don’t trust Google on those returns and the 60 properties that it’s sent, but – Right. It’s returning the results that it wants you to see, the search engine. Whereas Claude, ChatGPT, Grock, others, they’re returning the results that, as the consumer, I wanted to see. Ryan Embree: And that’s, and that’s the, I think that’s the difficult because it almost changes into a little bit 40 chess, because I might ask the same question, and based on my search experience, it could look at a different best hotel in Chicago than could be your best hotel in Chicago. Once you go down that. Yeah. Charles Oswald: Are you Going there for business, or is it a wedding, or is the soccer team? Yeah, right. And it, it might know the purpose. It might know lis – a little something about you. You’re exactly right. Ryan Embree: Well, uh, uh, listen, I’m gonna take us back before we get to, into that to rabbit hole and, and lose everybody there, because one of my, uh, one of the favorite parts of the conversation, and we’ve done, you know, now this, I think we’re, we’re over 200 episodes here, but one of the, one of my favorite parts, uh, places of our conversation, Charles, back when we first spoke, was hearing the origin story of aperture hotels and, and the name for it. And so, uh, I wanted just to revisit that for those who may have missed that episode. Can you share that story again and why this whole shift your perspective, which you can find on your LinkedIn, your website, everywhere, that mindset has really resonated, uh, with, so well with, um, hotel owners, investors, and has, has been an important part of your s – your company’s success. Charles Oswald: Oh, wow. Um, you know, thank you for, uh, for asking that question, uh, and, uh, and it’s a reminder and the flashback. You know, so, uh, so what is an aperture, first off, right? It’s, it, it’s, it’s in that, you know, that, that, that camera lens that allows light, right, to, to, to pass through, right? So, so it creates a clear, well-composed image. And so I think from a hospitality brand, um, that maps into some of our values. Um, you know, we talk about transparency and accountability. We talk about clarity and vision, right? Like, an owner sees a, a hotel’s position, um, uh, potential, and we can help capture it, right? We help focus, bring focus. Precision and control, you know, I, I think that helps, uh, convey into our views on process orientation across the enterprise and, you know, and consistent execution. One of our core values is about being actively curious, right? Like, how do you scratch beneath the, the surface and shine a light on, on what that is, right? And, you know, what can we do to, to make, you know, to reveal those, those, the, the hidden business potential? We think about, you know, when we’re walking into the hotel and, and, and we’re touring our, our properties and, and, and looking for those, um, those guest experience improvements, it’s like, how do we make this, uh, picture perfect for the customer who arrives, right? What that arrival experience, what are the first moments of truth? And so I think all of those things, that, that transparency of clarity, vision, precision control, uh, you know, picture perfect, uh, all these things, um, sort of play into that aperture name. But I’ll be honest, there was another part of this, uh, which is that, you know, there’s, like, 400 hotel management companies out there, uh, and there’s hundreds more that used to be. Finding an original name is admittedly difficult. Every name you can think of has been, uh, used. Sure. Uh, we, we were fortunate, uh, to be able to find something that was original that didn’t, you know, pigeonhole us into something like, you know, calling ourselves, uh, Sunbelt Management or something like that. So, so, so that did work out well for us. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Well, I love it because, you know, you, you mentioned at the top that this was, you know, Aperture Hotels was really their origin story started during and during that COVID time, right? During and after that COVID time. And I think it was in those conversations, the companies and organizations that I spoke to that had a very clear North Star, a very clear direction of who they are and their culture during that time, because it was such a difficult time. So to have such a strong kind of name and you have all of those things, I’m sure that is, has been so beneficial for you as you continue to grow and scale, because you need that, right? You need something to kind of lean back onto and be kind of your Compass North, your North Star, however you wanna to phrase it. But I love to hear that. And like I said, it, it stuck with me all these years afterwards, so I wanted to touch on it again. And, um, I saw recently on LinkedIn that, uh, you and your team wrapped up a leadership conference in, uh, New Orleans. Tell us a little bit about that event and how, how instrumental the team has been, and also your, your success over at Aperture Hotels. Charles Oswald: Oh, that is. Well, yeah, that, that, that was a fun time. Uh, first off, getting together, getting our team together – Yeah. For that annual conference is my favorite part of the year really energizes me. Um, you know, I’m so grateful for, for, for, for the team that’s doing this work on the ground and, and the leadersh – uh, we have out there in the field. You know, I think often we talk about performance. We send around our balanced scorecard. We measure and we rank people and, and, uh, you know, we talk about process and so on. And that, and that’s, that’s an important part of the, uh, uh, of what we cover in the, uh, in, in our annual leadership co – uh, conference as well. But, um, but I think when you’re rubbing elbows, uh, you know, you’re in the same room with everybody. Uh, there’s, there’s a different level of, you know, preparation, focus, and curiosity, you know, team member bonding and relationship that happens. And, you know, and I love how in the aftermath of these conferences, we, you know, we hear about how, you know, the general manager, you know, in, you know, in the US West, it’s called the general manager in the US East, and they’re – Sure. They’re getting together and collaborating now on, on, on best practices and, and how they dealt with certain challenges maybe that are shared experiences that they’re having. So that’s where it happens, right? I mean, you get out there in a conference together like this where I think i- ideas get sharpened, uh, perspectives broadened. People learn, you know, here’s some insights, and they, uh, you know, share in their experiences. They challenge each other. And, uh, we, and, and we come out of it just, uh, winning together. And by the way, I should mention also, there’s some really great food, uh, so – Oh, I know. Yeah, yeah. Sorry. New Orleans. Uh, I’m a big eater. Ryan Embree: Yeah, that, that helps too. Uh, Charles Oswald: A few extra, but I’ve never missed one. And, uh, New Orleans is a great place for someone to like me, that’s for sure. Ryan Embree: Yeah. We, well, we talked about how quickly things are moving right now in hospitality, and it’s so important to kinda get everybody together in one place. And we’ve seen how you prioritize, obviously, the, the bigger hospitality events across hospitality. So sometimes to get that dialed in with your team, just so important. And great to hear that that continues to be. ‘Cause if you remember back in the day, we were hearing that that was gonna be the end of this, by the way. Everybody was gonna have these leadership conferences on Zoom, and everyone was gonna love it, and nobody was going anywhere. So, uh, love to see that that, that prediction didn’t come to pass. Now, you’re – Charles Oswald: Yeah, you know, the funny thing about that, Ryan, is – Sure. Is that we’re out there in hospitality on the sales front. We were telling our companies, our clients, why they all need to get together. And hospitality companies are like, “Well, but, but we’re gonna do it on Zoom.” Ryan Embree: Right. Right, exactly. Right? We gotta practice what we preach a little bit Charles Oswald: Both Sides of our mouth, right? Yeah. Yeah. And, and enjoying some of the hospitality, uh, that we provide every single day, right? So, so you’re headquartered in Atlanta, Charles, you’ve got. But the portfolio spans across the country, you mentioned it. Are there any particular markets that you’re seeing strong opportunities and maybe some that you’re cautiously maybe staying away from for a bit right now? Charles Oswald: Well, uh, first off, the Atlanta part. Um, right? I mean, we’re, we’re the transportation hub of the Southeast, but, uh, arguably the country and the world with the world’s biggest and busiest airport. So when we talk about, like, w- where we’re willing to go, we’ve got a competitive advantage from here in the, uh, in that we have more direct flights to more cities across the country and the globe than any other, an- anybody. Else, right? Uh, coming out of, uh, the world’s biggest and busiest airport. So, so that’s, uh, that’s, that’s really nice and not to mention there’s a, there’s certainly a lot of drive markets, uh, that are within four, four hours of, uh, of Atlanta. So, um, so yeah, that makes us pretty opportunistic when it comes to, uh, uh, hotel management assignments. You know, ideally, uh, you know, we’re looking, ideally we’re, we’re looking at, you know, those top 100 or so cities. Ideally, you know, we, we, we certainly have better presence in the eastern half of the US, but we do span from Florida beaches to coastal California. In terms of the type of markets that are, that are more ideal and better fit for us, you know, generally speaking, they’re, you know, a lot of the, the southern markets are, uh, you know, certainly performing well. They’re business friendly. We avoid union hostility, uh, where, whenever possible, right? Sure. And, um, you know, th- those are the type of markets where we’d wanna go. And in terms of, of the type of hotels, you know, again, I think leaning towards the bifurcation that we know exists in, uh, in the industry that kinda says, you know, you gotta be great at, uh, soft branding experiential properties, right? And some lifestyle assets. And, and so that we’re, we’re, we’re leaning that direction. And you see it in our pipeline. You know, so, so our pipeline includes, you know, includes today, uh, multiple Marriott, Hilton, soft branded assets, like, like Tribute and, you know, and Tapestry Autographs. We also have, uh, some brands like Compass by Margaritaville sitting in the pipeline, right? And, and independent. Um, so, so really cool, exciting places where we get to create our own brand, really, our own store – Yeah. Based off of the building that’s there. And all of those new development projects that we’re talking about have, um, they have a lot of credit. I mean, that’s the only way you can pull these off today is if you’re, if you’ve got historic tax credits, you know, so we’ve got that in multiple places and hundred plus year old buildings. It’s, you know, great stories to tell. Uh, we’ve got, uh, you know, tax increment financing, PIDs, we’ve got enterprise zone, we got the CIPLA, you know, many other different factors that have played into making a capital stat that actually works. Uh, and that’s the way to, you know, that’s, that’s the way we’re getting it done and, uh, on the new development side. Ryan Embree: Well, those are fun projects, let me tell you. Um, I, I, I’m sure to work on, because it’s like you said, I mean, you get to tell a story there. Um, sometimes there’s a story already ingrained with these historic buildings that then become a, a key foundational component of, uh, you know, what you’re building on, um, so to speak, and, you know, uh, literally and figuratively when, when it comes to your maybe digital story. So, yeah, very, very cool to see. We’ll, we’ll, we’ll be excited to watch, watch those come to, to life. I want to. We’re, we’re wrapping up here, Charles, but I always feel like it’s always my duty, you know, having the privilege to talk to leaders like you, try to just get as much inside advice as I can out of you during this time. Obviously, as a business owner, you know, starting a business never easy, so much vision, resilience, incredible amount of commitment, especially doing one where you started it during a historic time and around COVID, right? But looking back on your journey building Aperture, you know, what advice would you give maybe to the next generation of hospitality leaders? It doesn’t necessarily have to be about if someone’s wanting to build their own, uh, management company, but e- even just a hospitality professional just now today in 2026? Charles Oswald: That’s a good question. You know, some things that come to mind is, uh, it’s a one in whatever business you’re, you’re doing, if, if you’re trying to be entrepreneurial and you wanna be an owner, I’d say, you know, choose your partners carefully, right? If you’re coming up in the business, I’d say, um, master the numbers, you know, not just your gut. If you’re, you know, you’re, you’re, you’re in the hiring seat, uh, uh, as a, as a team leader, I would tell them to, um, make sure they treat people decisions as serious as the capital decisions, right? Very, very important. I think from a business development standpoint, uh, I say those guys that are trying to, you know, build a, a portfolio need to y – learn to, to read the deal and not just as an operation. I think young or old, we should embrace the tech shift. I couldn’t believe I, I have some college professor friends, I do some advisory work at several universities, and I listen to, uh, college professors and some students out there, uh, who are very, being very resilient, r- resistant to AI, talking bad about it, they view it as a threat. And, uh, I’m like, “Hey, guys, y’all need to know that we do employ people, employers are looking for those young folks to come out with some experience and exposure and learning, uh, you know, and, and, and to have some insights in how to, how, you know, we cannot adopt AI at our companies.” And, and, uh, you know, you’re doing an injustice if, uh, if you’re resisting tech shift. Uh, so, and lastly, I would say think about your reputation management, right? Like, like, protect your credibility with your owners, with your franchisors, like it’s capital, because it is. Ryan Embree: Great advice. Sound, sound about. We got. That was comprehensive. Thank you for, thank you for sharing that. No, really appreciate it. Like I said, you know, uh, try to glean as much as I can out of these conversations and share it. Um, all great advice. Um, you know, hopefully we don’t have to wait three years next time to have you back on the podcast. Would, would love to catch up with you then, but who knows where, where you’ll be and, and the growth, uh, of Aperture Hotels. But what’s next? Like, as we wrap up today’s final question, kinda what’s your vision for the future as you look into the, this latter part of the half of the 2020s, right, for Aperture Hotels? Charles Oswald: Yeah, I think, um, being involved in a few developments is, is, you know, the one side. I’d say there’s just ongoing organic growth of, uh, taking on, on, uh, new management contracts, and they’ll probably mostly still be through, management company transitions as opposed to actual ownership transitions. And then, look, M&A is on the table, right? We, we’ve studied, uh, a few other small management companies that we can maybe, uh, acquire or merge in with. And I think that’s, yeah, I, I’m continuing to be open to that, uh, that conversation and, and, uh, uh, I hope to probably do just one. Uh, I don’t think multiple, but, but, but probably just one that’s really the right fit and the right strategic play. Ryan Embree: Awesome. Well, we’re excited. It’s been cool to watch your journey and aperture hotels from when we first spoke with you to here we are now and wish you nothing but success. So thank you so much, um, for taking the time to, to spend some time with my, myself as well as our sweet spot listeners, Charles. Charles Oswald: Yeah. Thank you. It’s great chatting. I appreciate it, Ryan. Ryan Embree: alright. Thanks, everyone. We’ll talk to you next time on The SuiteSpot. To join our loyalty program, be sure to subscribe and give us a five-star rating on iTunes. Suite Spot is produced by Travel Media Group. Our editor is Brandon Bell with cover art by Bary Gordon. I’m your host, Ryan Embree, and we hope you enjoyed your stay.

Safety Questions and Margaritaville's Big Expansion

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2026 14:13

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Getaway returned to Miami on August 24 after a passenger fell from a stateroom balcony onto a lower exterior deck on the final night of a three-night Bahamas cruise; crew provided life-sustaining measures but the guest did not survive, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Homicide Bureau is handling the case as an unclassified death investigation. Margaritaville at Sea will begin weekly Galveston sailings in October 2027 under an operating agreement approved August 25, making it the seventh cruise brand operating from the Texas port, with the line already homeporting at the Port of Palm Beach and Port Tampa Bay. And Harland & Wolff's Belfast yard has won the 12-week refit of the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, the former Costa Fortuna, a project expected to generate 40 million pounds for the Belfast region before the ship begins year-round Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from PortMiami in January 2027.

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Norwegian Jewel Review: First Cruise From Philadelphia + News

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2026 48:17

A seven-night Norwegian Jewel cruise review from Philadelphia to Bermuda and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jacob shares what it was like sailing from Philadelphia's developing cruise terminal, including the unusual hotel check-in and shuttle process, as well as his first impressions of the 21-year-old Norwegian Jewel. We cover his interior cabin, a frustrating plumbing issue, the main dining room and buffet food, and specialty dining at Cagney's, Le Bistro, Moderno, and La Cucina. Jacob also discusses Norwegian's Freestyle Dining concept, entertainment, crowds, and whether the older ship still delivers good value. In Bermuda, he visits Horseshoe Bay, takes a sunset rum cruise, and goes clear kayaking before Norwegian Jewel heads north for a short stop in Halifax. Plus, we cover the week's cruise news, including changes to Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea specialty dining benefit, Carnival's White Hot Night, Margaritaville at Sea's plans for Galveston, and Disney Cruise Line's return to New York. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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Margaritaville at Sea Islander 2026 Review + Cruise News

The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2026 50:05

A review of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. This week we get a full review of Margaritaville at Sea Islander following a four-night cruise from Tampa to Cozumel. Sue joins us after her 42nd cruise to share why Islander exceeded her expectations and how the former Costa ship has been transformed into Margaritaville at Sea's newest Tampa-based cruise ship. Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on: Carnival Valor making a hard turn on the Mississippi River to avoid a cargo vessel, two passengers arrested following an alleged altercation aboard a cruise ship in Port Canaveral, a lawsuit involving a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who says he was bitten by a pig during an excursion, Carnival's new shoe recycling program, and the latest CDC cruise ship sanitation inspection scores. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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Following her Dream: Angeletha's journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert, and to educate listeners.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 23:59 Transcription Available

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur:

Following her Dream: Angeletha's journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert, and to educate listeners.

Strawberry Letter

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 23:59 Transcription Available

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur:

Following her Dream: Angeletha's journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert, and to educate listeners.

Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 23:59 Transcription Available

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur:

Margaritaville Retirement Communities and Utopian Socialism | Samuel Moyn on Gerontocracy

CSPI Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 72:35

Samuel Moyn is a professor at Yale Law School. He joins the podcast to talk about his new book Gerontocracy in America: How the Old Are Hoarding Power and Wealth—and What to Do About It. Richard Hanania questions him on the book's embrace of socialism, and the two debate the empirical evidence relevant to whether it can work in the US. The interviewer brings up the issue of entitlements, which are becoming an increasing share of the federal budget and will in the coming decades crowd out other priorities. Doesn't a concern with gerontocracy imply that we should at the very least stop redistributing money from the young to the old? Moyn reveals that he was originally thinking about calling for means testing in the book, but was eventually convinced that this would undermine public support for Social Security and Medicare. Near the end, the conversation focuses on philosophical questions about what makes a good life. Moyn believes that the old need to have their money and resources taken away, and be forced to rely on the state. This raises the question of whether we should try to make people as wealthy as possible so they can pursue their own ends, or rather have the government take more of a role in making sure they find creativity and meaning. Hanania brings up Jimmy Buffett-themed retirement communities as an embodiment of the kind of preference-driven lifestyle choices that would be much less likely to exist under what Moyn calls “utopian socialism.”For more on the ideas discussed in this podcast, see also Hanania's review of Gerontocracy in America here. Get full access to Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology at www.cspicenter.com/subscribe

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We Are Not Getting in That Car Again

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 11:51 Transcription Available

We all went and took a visit aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for a preview... but we might have regretted carpooling! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

margaritaville

Gearing Up For THEjoeSHOW 2nd Inaugural Cruise!

cruise inaugural gearing up margaritaville

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 5:56 Transcription Available

This morning we recap our visit onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander yesterday! Its got all of us excited for September! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gearing Up For THEjoeSHOW 2nd Inaugural Cruise!

cruise inaugural gearing up margaritaville

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 5:55

This morning we recap our visit onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander yesterday! Its got all of us excited for September!

Won't Let Them Drive

yacht margaritaville zac brown boston harbor producer rob

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 11:51

We all went and took a visit aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for a preview... but we might have regretted carpooling!

drive margaritaville

Margaritaville at Sea

Nightside With Dan Rea

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 38:01 Transcription Available

Imagine going to a concert and walking away with a free cruise! That’s exactly what happened at a recent Zac Brown concert when Brown surprised more than 37,000 fans with a cruise vacation...but let’s not forget about those taxes, fees, and other costs, which add up quickly. Would you jump at a “free” cruise, or does it stop being a deal once you see the final bill? Dan has enjoyed the many cruises he’s taken and wanted to hear your thoughts!Producer Rob recently was on a Yacht cruise with Night Rider Charters around Boston Harbor and had a blast! Check out Night Rider Charters.com and say hello to Captain Don!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sidebar Ep.143: Wine, Wits & Client Dinners: What to Order to Look Effortlessly Competen

True Crimes Against Wine

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 20:47

Hey, Renee — and hey friend. If you've got a client dinner coming up and don't want to look out of your depth (but also don't want to be stiff and boring), this chat has your back. There are two main vibes you can lean into: the quietly sophisticated move or the casually cool cocktail move. For the low-key, impress-without-trying option, go wine: a Pinot Noir, especially from Willamette Valley or Burgundy, is a safe, classy choice that says you're worldly and confident without shouting it. Avoid polarizing picks like big Cabs or sweet Rieslings. If the spot is more modern or has a fun cocktail program, use the menu to your advantage — pick a base spirit you like (tequila, rum, whiskey) and ask the server about a cocktail by name, or ask its flavor profile. That shows thoughtfulness and curiosity without pretending to be an expert. In old-school or male-dominated settings, ordering a whiskey-forward cocktail, an Old Fashioned, or a specific scotch can be an intentional power move — annoying and unfair that it works, but also effective. Conversely, avoid party drinks (Long Island Iced Tea, shots) unless you're celebrating and the group is going there. Martini fans: if you go this route, know the terminology (gin vs. vodka, dry vs. extra dry, stirred vs. shaken, up vs. on the rocks, garnish) so you don't give away that you're faking it. If you can, glance at the cocktail list before you sit so you're not flustered, and don't be the person who orders first unless you know what you want — mirroring the group and projecting calm confidence will take you far. Bottom line: it's less about the exact drink and more about how you order it — poised, informed, and present. Now go close that deal, hold your drink like you know what you're doing, and hey — if it's Margaritaville and scooters with cup holders, send pics.

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Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar

Go Get Your Girl

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2026 73:27

Get out your culottes, ladies, we're going to Florida! Emma & Katie discuss the 2021 friendship-com Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar, which is basically what would happen if they were to go on vacation together. It's a real tit flapper, do get ready for lengthy digressions about Teen Witch, Tommy Bahama vs Margaritaville, and multiple pleas to prove that you, the listeners, are real.

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Buffett on the Radio (08-07-2026)

The A1A Media Network

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 29:48

Calling All Parrotheads! Some songs are inspired by life. Others are inspired by Jimmy Buffett.Join Buffett on the Radio with Jersey Jon Persons this Friday at 5:00 PM Eastern on Radio A1A as we celebrate five incredible songs that trace their roots back to three of Jimmy's biggest classics. You'll hear how Buffett's music continues to inspire today's Trop Rock artists—and why his influence still stretches far beyond Margaritaville. If Trop Rock is your thing, you've found your happy place.So grab your captain's hat, pour your favorite drink, settle into your favorite chair—or your favorite hammock—and let us provide the soundtrack for your next island escape. Listen live Friday at 5:00 PM EasternRadioA1A.comStreaming 24/7 with the finest independent singer-songwriters in Tropical Americana—because paradise is never more than a click away. Can't catch us live?No worries! The replay will be waiting on your favorite podcast app whenever you're ready to drop anchor, unwind, and enjoy a little escape. Sunshine. Stories. Music inspired by the man who reminded us that changes in latitude can still lead to changes in attitude.Radio A1A — Music for the Road to Paradise.We'll see you Friday! Until then, keep chasing that saltwater state of mind... and remember, the flip-flops are optional—but the good vibes are mandatory. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/a1a-media-network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Carnival Freedom Review + Cruise Prank Ends in Arrests | Carnival Cruise Line

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 51:45

We discuss the latest cruise news, including passengers arrested after a prank aboard MSC Divina, Princess Cruises tightening its booking policies, Celebrity's gratuity increase, Norwegian canceling Norwegian Sky's farewell sailing, Carnival's new menu item, and Zac Brown Band's massive Margaritaville at Sea giveaway. Kevin shares his detailed review of a four-night Carnival Freedom sailing from Port Canaveral, covering embarkation, suite accommodations (and perks attached to the stateroom), dining, entertainment, and port visits to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, offering practical tips for prospective cruisers. Share your thoughts: doug@cruiseradio.net Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

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Higher Fees, Santorini Changes, Miami Expansion

The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 10:27

Celebrity Cruises has raised its daily gratuities by $1.50 per guest across all stateroom categories, effective July 29, taking standard inside, oceanview and veranda rooms to $19.50 a day, Concierge Class and AquaClass to $20.50, and The Retreat to $24.50. In Greece, Santorini is now routing organized cruise excursion groups to the ferry port at Athinios after a July 27 wall collapse closed the 558-step Karavolades Stairs linking the old port to Fira, a change that adds a 20 to 25 minute bus ride for tour passengers during a month with more than 25 scheduled ship calls. And in Florida, Miami-Dade County has approved a preferential berthing agreement with Margaritaville at Sea worth at least $23.15 million, giving the line preference for roughly 170 calls at PortMiami's Cruise Terminal C from January 9, 2027 through April 30, 2031, with the 2,700-guest Beachcomber heading into a 12-week conversion dry dock in late September.

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Vacation Advice: Her journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 23:59 Transcription Available

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur:

Vacation Advice: Her journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert.

Strawberry Letter

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 23:59 Transcription Available

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur:

Vacation Advice: Her journey from military service to becoming a successful travel advisor and cruise expert.

Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 23:59 Transcription Available

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Angeletha Long. A 24-year Army veteran turned travel entrepreneur:

Is it a Monster Truck or Enhancement Pill | Karen Guregian Joins Toucher and Hardy | Zac Brown Band Margaritaville Cruise giveaway- 8/3 (Hour 2)

Toucher & Rich

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 41:50

(00:00) Nick went to a monster truck jam at Gillette last week, so Beaton and Nick had the bright idea of Hardy quizzing Wallach and Johnston on if it is the name of the Monster Truck or a male enhancement product. (00:16:52.76) Karen Guregian covers the Patriots from MassLive joins the show to talk about all things Patriots and Training camp.(00:30:46.11) Last night at the Zac Brown Band Concert they did a giveaway for a Margaritaville cruise for two people and two guests. Would you go on a Jimmy Buffet cruise? Please note: Timecodes may shift by a few minutes due to inserted ads. Because of copyright restrictions, portions—or entire segments—may not be included in the podcast.CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardyFor the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston's home for sports!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Changes, Choices, and Halloween at Sea

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Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026 16:27

Today on Cruise News: Cordelia Cruises plans eight seven-night Chennai to Singapore sailings aboard Cordelia Sky between late June and late August 2027, calling at Langkawi and Port Klang in Malaysia with an overnight in Phuket, while Norwegian Cruise Line reworks the ship's farewell voyage into an 18-day cruise ending in Muscat, Oman on September 27, 2026, dropping Dubai and Doha and offering guests a 15 percent prorated refund plus a 15 percent future cruise credit. Margaritaville at Sea brings Halloween back to Paradise and Islander from September 15 through November 1, 2026, adding an interactive Ghostly Game Show, a Halloween bar crawl and themed guest entertainers alongside returning favorites such as the Spooktacular Murder Mystery Game Show and the Trick-or-Treat Trail. And Viking details an 80-voyage 2028-29 ocean program calling at 301 ports across 84 countries, with new Alaska, Mediterranean and Japan itineraries aboard Viking Orion, Viking Venus and Viking Neptune.

Buffett on the Radio (07-31-2026)

The A1A Media Network

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 29:52

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Harry Potter, ‘Home Alone' part of new ICE! Experience, ‘Fortnitemares' announced for Halloween Horror Nights, and more news! - The Attractions Podcast - Recorded 7/27/2026

The Attractions Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 35:55

Join Attractions Magazine contributing writers and correspondents as they bring you news and discussion about all things themed entertainment and parks, including Disney, Universal Studios and beyond on The Attractions Podcast. Topics of conversation on this week's episode of The Attractions Podcast: ANNOUNCED: Fortnite “Fortnitemares” scare zone for Halloween Horror Nights 35 Universal cuts Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour in half with new ticket Epic Universe 2026 ticket prices drop; still no annual pass option Busch Gardens' major new attraction looks different from the original plans Legoland Florida's Brick-or-Treat 2026 expands—one of Central Florida's best Halloween values Margaritaville at Sea's Halloween cruises fit Jimmy Buffett's playful legacy Harry Potter, Home Alone and Nightmare Before Christmas debut as new ICE! themes The Attractions Podcast is brought to you by MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. They provide premium service and expert advice to get the most for your vacation time and dollars. Visit them at mei-travel.com. We welcome your suggestions and want you to be a part of the discussion. Please send your comments to info@attractionsmagazine.com with the subject line “The Attractions Podcast.” Statements or opinions herein are those of the hosts and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers, Dream Together Media LLC, or staff.

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THEjoeSHOW's Secret Sound - WE HAVE A WINNER!

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Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 9:46 Transcription Available

This morning we finally got our winner! After 55 guesses, Hannah from Tampa was able to get the guess the sound correctly! She's going on our 2nd Inaugural Cruise with our friends at Margaritaville at Sea! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THEjoeSHOW's Secret Sound - WE HAVE A WINNER!

winner sea tampa margaritaville secret sound

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 9:46

This morning we finally got our winner! After 55 guesses, Hannah from Tampa was able to get the guess the sound correctly! She's going on our 2nd Inaugural Cruise with our friends at Margaritaville at Sea!

Secret Sound Guess #50!

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Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 2:41 Transcription Available

FIFTY guesses for a trip of a lifetime! We are going cruising in September with our friends on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander! and we are playing the secret sound to get you on board! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Sound Guess #46

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Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 1:37 Transcription Available

We are nearing 50 guesses with our secret sound... no winners just yet! We want you to be on the cruise with US! Book now on 933flz.com so you can come cruise with us and our friends at Margaritaville at Sea! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Sound Guess #32!!!!!

sea margaritaville secret sound

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 3:23 Transcription Available

We are now into the 30's when it comes to guessing the secret sound... we want you on our 2nd Inaugural Cruise with Margaritaville at Sea! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Sound Guess #29!

cabin margaritaville secret sound

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 1:51 Transcription Available

We are approaching 30 guesses and we still have no one to win a trip with us on our 2nd Inaugural Cruise! Cabins are selling fast so make sure you're booking now with our friends at Margaritaville at Sea Islander! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Sound Guess #25

margaritaville secret sound

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 1:21 Transcription Available

Another wrong guess for THEjoeSHOW's Secret Sound! Make sure you're booking your trip now onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander for the 2nd Inaugural Cruise before its too late! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating the Summer of Music with Margaritaville Resorts

License to Chill: The Margaritaville Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 30:30

This week on License to Chill, Ryan and Patrick talk with four team members at different Margaritaville's throughout the world and discuss how they're celebrating the Summer of Music at their resorts. Enjoy!

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Secret Sound Guess #21

sea margaritaville secret sound

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 1:41 Transcription Available

We are 21 guesses in and STILL no winner to come onboard our 2nd Inaugural Cruise with our friends over at Margaritaville at Sea! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secret Sound Guess #20 & Joe Tells A Joke

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Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 7:45 Transcription Available

We are over 20 guesses in for THEjoeSHOW's Secret Sound which if you guess correctly you're going on our 2nd Inaugural Cruise with Margaritaville at Sea! & we get a Joke from Joe.... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buffett on the Radio (07-10-2026)

The A1A Media Network

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 31:06

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Secret Sound Guess #11

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Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 2:35 Transcription Available

Taking another guess and still no winner for THEjoeSHOW's Secret Sound! We set sail to Cozumel in September with Margaritaville at Sea! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. - 1655 - SATURDAY SERIES: EMILY JENNINGS

Reality Life with Kate Casey

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2026 26:41

After twenty-six years in the Coast Guard and a hard-earned retirement in a Margaritaville-branded community in Daytona Beach, Florida, Emily thought her next chapter was set. Then she noticed her husband's niece had vanished from his brother's Facebook page. What followed was a discovery that the seven-month-old had been placed in Florida's foster care system, and the beginning of an eighteen month legal battle that included a three day custody trial, allegations of fraudulent adoption paperwork, and a fight against a state system that seemed determined to keep her with a foster caregiver rather than family. Emily and her husband ultimately adopted both the niece and, months later, her newborn brother, becoming parents to two young children in their fifties after raising a son who is now thirty. Emily talks about the toll of the legal process, what she learned about family adoption cases in Florida, the isolation of feeling like her family was fighting the system alone, and what it has been like to parent toddlers as a retired Gen Xer, decades after raising her first child. Reality Life with Kate Casey Summer Reading List: https://katecasey.substack.com/p/books-i-cant-stop-talking-about-this Vanity Fair Article: https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/martha-moxleys-diary What to Watch List: https://katecasey.substack.com Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/katecasey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/katecaseyca Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskatecasey?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113157919338245 Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katecasey Twitter: https://twitter.com/katecaseySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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New Ships, Holiday Deals, Bigger Choices

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Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 11:49

Today's Cruise News covers three stories shaping cruise choices for the seasons ahead. Margaritaville at Sea welcomed its one millionth guest on June 25 and is preparing to add a third ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, which will homeport at PortMiami beginning January 2027. MSC Cruises launched a July 4 sale offering 40 percent off, free sailings for children, and 250 dollars off U.S. homeport departures, with five sailings crossing the holiday out of Galveston, Seattle, Port Canaveral, and Miami. And MSC confirmed that MSC Meraviglia will homeport in Southampton for 21 cruises in 2028, expanding the line's UK presence with British Isles, Northern Europe, and Norwegian fjords itineraries.

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6a Galveston Margaritaville Update, Scoop Hilary Duff Audio Shout Out and Checking Listener Line 06-26-26

Best of Roula & Ryan

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 37:11

Website

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MJ Morning Show, Fri., 6/26/26: What Will MJ's Water Bill Be This Month? Also, MJ And Michelle's Wedding Anniversary!

MJ Morning Show on Q105

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 182:40

On today's MJ Morning Show:Mom charged after daughter dies from drinking herself to deathMorons in the newsArmpit injectionsMichelle's Howard Frankland Bridge observationWoman smuggled wine bottle...MJ's pool is fixed... getting filled... How much water will it take, and what will MJ's water bill be?Woman refuses to pay for her manicureMJ and Michelle's anniversaryListener Donnie got married this morning at Ballast Point PierJersey Mike's sandwich contained dentures?Taco Bell's wait was so long she pulled out a gunLionel Richie's health issue at a concertSavannah Guthrie made another pleaHow to kill the value of your homeSingle mother wants the next guy in her life to 'kiss the ground she walks on'1 millionth passenger aboard Margaritaville at SeaKanye merchandise for Tampa concertDetroit Lions player held without bond in TampaHaircut dealMichelle & Kids went to see SupergirlPunch, the monkey, being bothered with laser pointersRobert Davi on the phone... it's his birthday todayFake cop pulled over real undercover Hillsborough County deputyFollow-up on restaurant charging feeU.S. Mint making special U.S. 250 quarters, but they are limited and will be mixed inSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 209: Coral Reefer CannaBrew

Florida Beer Podcast - Powered by FloridaBeerBlog.com

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 39:53

It is no secret that CBD infused beverages are becoming the next hot item in craft drinks. The regulation surrounding these, however, tends to still be a work in progress. Also currently undergoing refinement is how these beverages are marketed and sold to the general public. But, if you're going to have a beverage that promotes the idea of a fun sunny day, who better to pair with it then the Legacy of Florida favorite Jimmy Buffett? That was all the idea behind Coral reefer, a new non-alcoholic CBD infused beverage. Produced with the inspiration of everyone's favorite parrot head, these beverages come in a variety of flavors and THC strengths. We spoke to the co-founders behind Coral Reefer, Joe Snyder and Peter Hanley, about the legacy of Jimmy buffett, creating a beverage with the marketplace and the Margaritaville inspiration in mind, and the future of these beverages in Florida and the United states. Plus, listeners will have access to a special discount code to order Coral reefer shipped directly to you! Find us on Social Media @FloridaBeerBlog on Instagram, Threads, X, and Bluesky, @FLBeerBlog on Facebook, and visit us on the web at FloridaBeerBlog.com and FloridaBeerPodcast.com. Please subscribe, like us, and give us a healthy 5-star review, every little bit helps! The Florida Beer Podcast is a proud member of the Florida Podcast Network, an exciting collection of podcasts highlighting the best of the Sunshine State. Visit us today at FloridaPodcastNetwork.com. Host & Editor: David Butler of Florida Beer Blog Executive Producer: Jaime ("Jemmy") Legagneur, Chief Enthusiasm Officer Field Producer: Steve Pekala Guests: Joe Snyder and Peter Hanley of Coral Reefer Interested in becoming FBP's next Title Sponsor? Contact FPN today! Opening Voice Over Courtesy of: Jeff Brozovich Follow Florida Beer Blog on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional Support Provided by: Florida Podcast Network =========== FPN: Check out the other shows on the Florida Podcast Network

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Live from HITEC San Antonio: Hospitality Creator Summit Highlights, Content Strategy, and Tech Trends

The Hospitality Mentor

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 18:53

Live from HITEC in San Antonio, the Steve Turk and Sarah Dandashy recap the inaugural Hospitality Creator Summit, created by Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri, which drew 200+ attendees for a full day of networking and creator-focused education. Sara shares first impressions of the high-energy event, meeting online peers in person, and the supportive, low-ego atmosphere. A panel on “behind the brand deal” featured Margaritaville and My Place Hotels discussing how brands choose creators, partnership paths from in-kind to paid, and the challenge of tracking bookings driven by content, including working with small-audience creators for fit and aesthetic. They note sessions on newsletters and podcasting milestones, HITEC's creator booth with interview and green-screen setups, and floor trends like better booth experiences, fewer AI buzzwords but more specific integrations, data consolidation, and room automation savings, plus a push for brands to create personality-driven, value-first content.A big shout out to our sponsor Lodgify! Starting June 17th to June 30th, use promo code THM60 for 60% off00:00 Live From HITEC00:21 Sponsor Shoutout - Lodgify 00:58 Creator Summit Recap02:55 Brand Deals Panel05:09 Creator Growth Tips05:50 Meet Tyler Behind Scenes06:37 Content Booth Setup07:31 HITEC Floor Highlights08:27 Tech Trends And AI09:57 Venue Vibes San Antonio10:16 Creators Take Over10:57 Booth Snacks and Vibes11:24 Why Brands Need Content12:55 Make Value Not Ads14:19 One Post Big Impact16:05 HCS First Day Energy17:54 After Party and Wrap

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Excursion Safety, New Ships, Changing Itineraries